Plus Size Style - Everyday Bombshell

This post contains affiliate links for Gwynnie Bee.

Land's End has never, really, been on my radar. To be honest, I usually get Land's End confused with L.L. Bean.  To me, they both fall under that outdoorsy Eddie-Bauer umbrella of clothes that are not quite stylish.  (If you're a fan of these stores, don't yell at me...I'm about to admit I was wrong, ok?)

So when I was choosing items for my Gwynnie Bee Closet (that's what they call the online queue for the items you want them to send you), I was shocked to click on this cute dress and then find out it was from Land's End:

Image from GwynnieBee.com

 

I loved this fit and flare dress in the chevron print.  LOVED it. It fit perfectly and was so flattering. The waist line was just above my own natural waist, without being an empire-style (which I am really not into right now). I  wore the dress twice, once casually and once a little dressier for work.

 

 

Casual Look - with a flower headband

 

Dressier look with a floral pin

 

 

I gave some serious thought to buying this dress through the Gwynnie Bee purchase option (you can buy items that you have at home with you at a discounted price), but thought I should probably not be so impulsive when a ton of other cute items are on their way to me.

 

Try Gwynnie Bee for free with their 30-day trial by clicking here. 

 



Plus Size Style- Everyday Bombshell

I got my hair cut (again)! Shorter and shorter it goes, though I think this is the limit. Not much left to do than a Beyoncé-style pixie cut which...ain't happenin'.  For as much as I love having long hair - and I'm sure I will again - this shorter, kicky style feels fresh and fun.  Dan's not quite on the same page (he's a classic "I like long hair" kind of guy) but I know he likes the fact that I feel spunkier.

Not sure why I don't look happier in this shot...

I sure feel happy today!

I know this necklace doesn't 'match' my outfit, but

I think it 'goes.' I especially like having a

pop of color up near my face.

These shoes make the outfit for me - too bad they're

a 6" wedge that will probably only make it to lunch time.

Unless I break an ankle, in which case they won't make

that long!

Have owned this bracelet for over a  year and have never worn it.

I bought it at Camp Fireside's gift shop while visiting

friends there over the 4th in 2012. Random!

 

The Outfit:



Gray and raspberry dress- gift from LucieLu
Necklace - Patina
Purple belt - came with a dress from Old Navy
Leather bracelet - Camp Fireside
Floral wedges - Free Press by way of Nordstrom Rack

Plus Size Style - Everyday Bombshell

If you follow me on my author Facebook page, you know I'm working hard on writing the last installment of the Bombshell Beauty series of eBooks.  There are a few different ways I get myself in the right mental frame of mind to write - music plays a big role, and so does where I do the writing.  I've been writing a lot about one particular character and realized that today, I dressed like her!

I haven't worn this City Chic tunic much this summer - 

I'm still not quite sure it's me. 

I love this inexpensive statement necklace. It adds the perfect

touch of my favorite color. 

When I don't know which gold earrings to grab,

I usually go for this pair from Lia Sophia. 

The Outfit:

Tunic - City Chic

Leggings - Lane Bryant

Belt - gifted from Torrid

Sandals - Via Spiga

Bracelet - Macy's

Necklace - Len Druskin

Earrings - Lia Sophia

Plus Size Style - Everyday Bombshell

Looks, guys!  Something you haven't seen in...wow.  A long time.

Me!  In a skirt!  Not a dress!

 

These Franco Sarto wedges were such a great find

 at Norstrom Rack - $5!

 



Awkward angle, but I wanted to give you a close-up

of this flower pin. I love it.

Hope you guys have a great weekend, ahead!

 

The Outfit

Striped tee-shirt - Old Navy

Coral silk skirt - Talbots

Wedges - Franco Sarto

Pink flower pin - Lily Star boutique (at Rosedale Mall)



 

Plus Size Style- Everyday Bombshell

Entirely by accident, Wal-Mart of all stores has become the unofficial sponsor of my casual summer wardrobe.  This is the fourth dress I've picked up from one of my least favorite places on earth - entirely by happenstance.  I had to stop at Wal-Mart in a small town near our vacation home at the beginning of the month...and I came out with a pizza, a gallon of water, windshield wipers and this dress.

Worn to a casual summer BBQ at a friend's house. 

The necklace is kind of funny - it says Best.  My friend Jackie

has one that says Friends.  It's a grown-up BFF necklace!

The Outfit:

Strapless dress- Wal-Mart

Black belt- Gap Outlet

BFF necklace - Jewel Kade

Platform sandals - Via Spiga

Floral bag- Kate Spade

Plus Size Style- Everyday Bombshell

I've said it before, and I'll say it again (probably every time I wear this dress...) but I hope you have something in your closet that makes you feel like POW!  Check me out, world!

I don't know why, but this dress is it for me.  Something about the way it fits over my curves without clinging...I don't know.  I also don't question it - I just enjoy the way I feel when I pull this baby on.

The Outfit:

POW-inducing dress- Avenue

Open cardigan - TJ Maxx

Pink skinny belt - Old Navy

Triple strand of pearls - QVC

Kitten heels - Payless

Everyday Bombshell - TCL Edition

Last Friday, I wore the cutest dress on Twin Cities Live.  It was sent to me by LucieLu, as a little preview of the springy designs to come, so it's not available for sale quite yet.  The dress is sleeveless, and a really flattering empire waist.  initially, I was uncertain whether or not the waist would hit at the right spot, or if it would be a little short and make me appear pregnant (which I am not).  Lo and behold - it fit my proportions perfectly.

To winterize this springy dress, I layered a black tee shirt and thick black tights underneath.  The necklace is an anchor pendant I bought from the Realia by Jen sample sale a few weeks ago.  This has become one of my favorite outfits, at the moment.

For some reason, Twin Cities Live hasn't updated their home page to include video of my segment on incorporating emerald green into your makeup bag.  I'll be on again tomorrow (Tues, Feb 5th) so hopefully I'll be able to share with you that segment.

Outfit Details:
Blush lace dress with gray accents- c/o LucieLu
Black scoopneck tee- Old Navy
Black tights - Avenue
Black pointy heels - Payless
Anchor pendant - Realia by Jen

Everyday Bombshell

I've been so into my long boyfriend cardigans that I kind of forgot about my once-favorite sailor-inspired cropped cardigan.  Hello, old friend.  Let's catch up again, shall we?

The Outfit:
Striped cardigan- Forever 21+
Silvia dress in jade - LucieLu
Gold skinny belt- Merona brand, Target
Blue teardrop necklace - Patina
Black tights- Avenue
Black ballet flats- Designershoes.com

Everyday Bombshell - TCL Outfit

I've gotten so many questions over Twitter, email and through the blog comments section asking, "Where did you get that dress?"  I think you'll be a little surprised to learn that the little black dress I wore on Twin Cities Live yesterday (in which I felt polished but peppy) is from...Old Navy's plus size line!

I took a risk and ordered a few dresses from their online only plus size collection, and was thrilled to all three dressed worked out.  So you'll see the other two in upcoming posts.

Usually, I cut off my shoes...this time, I lopped off the top of my head.

Winning!

I decided to add little touches of color, like the  yellow/green necklace

and bring pink lips. 

Outfit Details:

Black dress - Old Navy plus size (comes with a pink belt)

Purple skinny belt - came attached to another Old Navy dress that I bought (ok, it's this same dress in a different color!)

Triple strand necklace - Patina

Purple slingback heels - Jessica London

Lipstick - Covergirl LipPerfection in  Spellbound (my favorite)

Everyday Bombshell

Old Navy has been something of a gold mine for me, lately. I have three dresses on their way to me after a nice little online super-sale haul.  Then, I picked up this red dress with white birds on it at the Old Navy Outlet store in Medford, MN - and it's a new favorite.

I'm from Nebraska, where it's requirement of the state that you own at least three red articles of clothing (Go Big Red!)...so it's pretty amazing that this is the only true red piece in my wardrobe.  I love red!  Need more red!

The Outfit:
Black cardigan- Avenue
Red bird dress- Old Navy Outlet
Gold skinny belt- Target
Deco bib necklace- Macy's

Everyday Bombshell - Ugly Christmas Sweater

Ugly Christmas sweaters are as ubiquitous now (worn as a joke) as they were back in the 80's/early 90's (worn in all festive seriousness).  But that doesn't make it any less fun to pull one on and gather with friends.  Or co-workers, as I did during my office's Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.

I really enjoy working with a fun group of people who do silly things like this.  But you know...I didn't want to just throw on an ugly, shapeless sweater and call it a day.  Oh no.  I wanted to put a Bombshell spin on it.  And so - my take on the ugly Christmas sweater:

I paired my ugly sweater, which is really bulky, with a slim-fitting sheath dress. 

To help add a little shape to my shape, I belted the sweater. 

When accessorizing an over-accessorized sweater, I say more is more.

Big, chunky necklace + big dangly earrings and lots of bracelets. 

The Outfit:

Ugly sweater- Ragstock

Sheath dress- Alfani Woman

Pointy heels - Payless shoes

Earrings- Fred Flare

Medallion necklace- Forever 21

Cuff bracelet- Forever 21

Murano bead bracelets- Red Envelope

Everyday Bombshell

Last week, I enjoyed a nice lunch at the ABC affiliate TV station in St. Paul.  I was invited to a meet-and-greet/brainstorming session with the other regular guests on Twin Cities Live.  It was a lot of fun to meet some of the people who I've watched put together terrific segments for the TV show.

I raced over to the TV station during my lunch break from my day-job, so I had to wear something that fit both occassions.  Enter - my new winter uniform:  dress, tights and long cardigan. The long (33") cardigan is key to pulling off this cute/casual look.  Any shorter, and the cardigan will break up the long line and will make me look stumpy and frumpy.  I'm saving my waist-length cardigans for tee shirts and skirts.

The Outfit:
Gray cardigan- gift from my mom
Watercolor print dress- LucieLu
Black tights - Hanes
Black heels- Payless
Silver Christmas bracelet- Red Envelope
Jade mongram necklace- Red Envelope

Everyday Bombshell- Black, Cream & Talbots All Over

topics: plus size fashion, blue shoes, fall trends

Tell me if I'm alone on this or if you can relate...my closet is cyclical, in that I really get into shopping at one or two particular stores, and much of my wardrobe is suddenly comprised of pieces from those few shops.  Right now, I'm all about LucieLu and Talbots.  As evidenced by this head-to-toe Talbots look.  They have a great selection of plus size pieces!  So much so that I don't even mind being called "Woman" (as opposed to Petites or simply Apparel... anyway).

Don't worry...I remembered to take the sale stickers off the shoes before wearing!

The Outfit:

Lace front cream tee shirt- Talbots Outlet

Tiger print skirt- Talbots

Jeweled belt- Gap Outlet

Three strand metal/jeweled necklace- Patina Stores

Blue 40's inspired square toed slingbacks - Me Too

Everyday Bombshell- A Unisex Outfit

topics: plus size fashion, eShakti

I'm not necessarily saying my outfit today is something to be worn by either male or female.  Although I have plenty of cross-dressing/transgender readers that I know and love - and whom I hope would love to wear this dress.  No, the real point is that I received compliments across the board - from males and females - on my outfit.

 This dress is a custom-order piece from eShakti...although I did not customize it myself.  No, my good friend Stephanie did so - and it didn't fit when it arrived.  I've actually heard that from a lot of people; that the customized versions of eShakti's dresses fit worse than the standard sizes.  However - it fit me perfectly.  Which should be crazy because Stephanie has an amazing figure, with much larger breasts and a booty I would hurt someone for.  She's also 6" shorter than I am.  So.  Yeah.

Clearly, I cannot get enough of those damn animal print ballet flats.  Get used to it.  I love them.

The Outfit:
Black ruffly dress- eShakti, via Stephanie
Merona glass bracelets- Red Envelope
Amethyst necklace- Grandma Kappy's
Animal print ballet flats - Nordstrom Rack

Everyday Bombshell- Back to Workwear

topics: plus size fashion, workwear, talbots

After a 3 month vacation from employment, I officially re-entered the corporate workforce on Monday.  My first day on the new job was exciting on several levels.

1. Full time employment is a good thing
2. I was able to break out all of the corporate-y outfits that have languished in my closet since leaving the old job
3. New co-workers haven't seen any of my clothes...so it's like everything is new

Here's what I wore for my first day on the job:

The muted watercolor print jazzes up the structured style of this dress from Talbots.  I contemplated breaking out a pair of new black strappy pumps, but decided to play it safe with a pair of flats.  Tomorrow, I'm going for a pair of fun shoes.

Mixed metals provided a tough-girl counterpoint to the girly-girl vibe of the dress.  

The Outfit:

Watercolor dress- Talbots

Mixed metal necklace - c/o Lane Bryant

Black leather belt- Gap Outlet

Ballet flats- Payless

Everyday Bombshell- Easy, Twisty Hairstyle

topics: plus size fashion, easy up-do

Have you guys seen this dress yet?  I'm not sure if you have...(yes, I could scroll back through my blog page, but that seems like a lot of effort at the moment).

I bought it from Avenue at the beginning of the summer, then it languished in my closet unworn for several weeks.  The bodice area gaped, big time, and it took me a while to sew it together.  It's since become one of my favorite sundresses to throw on and go.

Also, as promised in the title- an easy twisty hairstyle.  I saw someone in my apartment building style her hair this way and thought it looked incredibly cute.  To recreate, part your hair on one side.  Gather your hair at the nape of your neck into a ponytail.  Then split that ponytail into three individual tails - one behind each ear and the last at the base of your neck.  Secure each ponytail with an elastic band.  Then twist each ponytail into a coil - make it as precise or as messy as you like.  Secure each coil with a couple bobby pins - and voila!  Done.

The Outfit:
Blue tiered sundress- Avenue
Striped cropped cardigan- Forever 21+
Pendant necklace- Entourage (store in Athens, GA)
Leopard ballet flats - Tesori

Everyday Bombshell- Lunch Date

topics: plus size fashion, talbots, sealed with a kiss, new shoes

I had lunch yesterday with an old work friend, someone I've not seen in over a year.  You have friends like that, don't you?  Whom you see sporadically but it's always like picking up where you left off once you get together?  That's what this particular lunch was all about.  I met up with Alicia at one of my favorite restaurants - Salut.  Over brie and fries with bernaise sauce, we caught up on one another's lives.

Alicia is working for a very cool boutique here in the Twin Cities- it's called Corset Boutique & Personal Styling Services.  After hearing her tell me all about what they do, I'm excited to partner with them on some fun things in the coming months.  More to come on that!  In the meantime, here's what I wore to lunch.

How many times have you seen this blue Essential Short Skirt, almost always worn as a tube dress?  Sooo many times.  In the time that I've owned it, this piece has become a warm-weather go-to.  So much so that it's time to officially retire it from my wardrobe.  For its last outing, I paired it with a pale blue cardigan from Talbots.  

A chocolate pearl necklace and new leopard print flats round out the look.  Perfect for a casual afternoon of lunching and window shopping.

The Outfit:
Blue Essential Short Skirt- c/o Sealed with a Kiss Designs
Light blue cardi - Talbots
Jewel-buckle belt - Gap Outlet
Chocolate pearl necklace- Arthur's Jewelers
Flats- Tesori (via Nordstrom Rack)

Everyday Bombshell- At the MN Fringe Festival

As you guys know, I've kept myself very busy over the past few months while on vacation from the workforce (jury duty, a little bit of traveling, Twin Cities Live, networking).  One of the most recent (and random) things I've done is stage manage a play for the MN Fringe Festival.

A friend asked me to help her out with some of the technical aspects of producing a play, and I couldn't pass up the chance to actually put my B.A in Theater to good use, I agreed.  I spend my time in the lighting and sound booth during our performances, calling cues and generally making sure everything goes as planned.  This is what I wore to our show on Monday evening.

I was trying to find something to wear with my new Missoni-print flats.  I love pink and blue together, so decided to go with my fuschia Forever 21+ dress.  And hey!  My nails even match. 

You guys know that I'm not exactly a whiz at creating fun hairstyles, but I've really gotten into Youtube hair tutorials by the Luxy sisters.  So this was my attempt at recreating their "Romantic Summer Hairstyle."

Everyday Bombshell - To the Max(i Skirt)

topics: plus size fashion, maxi skirts, sealed with a kiss

I know, I know...I'm wearing another maxi skirt.  And this, after I declared myself on Facebook officially over the whole maxi skirt trend just a couple days ago.  What can I say?  I'm a fashion flip-flopper.

For a lunch date with a friend, I tucked my animal print tank top into an accordion-pleat maxi skirt.  Purple belt added a dash of color, sparkly beaded necklace added some glamour - good to go!

The Outfit:
Britney Tank - c/o Sealed with a Kiss
Pleated maxi skirt- Bobeau (given to me by my friend, Stephanie)
Purple belt- Merona, Target
Bauble necklace- mark.
Flip flops - Avenue